Page 37 - 1913 November - To Dragma

42 TO DRAGMA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI

"Don't you believe it," rejoined Hannah. " I t isn't us she is sorry
for, it's herself. But I ' l l quit knocking her. She has her good
points.

"What do you care what the reason is," interrupted Sophy. "We've
got it, let's go out and enjoy it. My, but I am glad to leave this
stuffy old place for once before six o'clock. Come on, Han, go with
me to the circus. I t will have to be a Dutch treat, tho,' I have just
money enough for myself. Don't you forget, Cim, that you've a date
with me tonight. I ' l l meet you at the door about ten minutes of
eight. Oh isn't it great we have an afternoon off!"

Her voice was more hoarse than ever from her emotion, and she
fairly radiated joy as she took a few waltz steps round the room.

Cimbria quietly tidied the place glancing now and then toward the
office door.

"What a kid you are, Sophy," chided Hannah, pinning on a huge
hat. "You sure need a mother's care, and that's what you'll get this
afternoon. Yes," in answer to Sophy's little crow of joy, " I am
coming with you. What's a holiday for anyway i f not to blow in
something extra. Gretchen, why can't you come on, too?"

"Ah, no. I must go home and help mine mother with the wash-
ing," said Gretchen.

"Too bad, old girl," from Hannah. "Cimbria how about you,
will you join us?"

"No, I ' l l go along with Gretchen. I can take care of the baby,
poor dear. He is just cutting his teeth and Mrs. Nicodemus doesn't
get much sleep."

On the street the four separated with brief goodbyes.
At the theatre that evening Cimbria and Sophy found their seats
were in the first row of the second balcony.

Sophy's gown was a much beruffled tan colored affair, her black
hair was plentifully sprinkled with pins, studded with brilliants,
while on her knee she held a red hat so big it had to be tilted at an
angle to go in between the seat and the rail. She was restless with
excitement. The afternoon in the hot circus tent had but waked her
up and whetted her desire for more. She talked constantly, her
voice attracting attention, which was as wine to her.

Cimbria was dressed in white lawn, finished at the neck by an
Irish lace collar which permitted a glimpse of her pretty throat.
She was enjoying herself in her quieter way, as much as her com-
panion. She listened to Sophy's remarks, but as they consisted
chiefly of comments on the audience, they required no answer, and
she was free to follow her own train of thought. To be one of a
crowd was a pleasure to her for she was always speculating about